I Was Doing Just Fine Before I Met You.

I choked on my spit, holding my hand over my mouth to stop my coughing while my heart thumped hard in my chest. A new swarm of butterflies flew through me while some kind of unfamiliar feeling twisted in the pit of my stomach and I felt the tension between us grow thicker. Blinking my wide eyes back to normal, I flickered my gaze from the shocked look of Alex’s dad before looking into Alex’s glazed eyes.

“I’m jus’ fuckin’ with yous.” He grinned, unable to stop the laughs spilling out of his mouth.

My shoulders instantly relaxed a notch, a sense of relief filling me while my mom’s arm wrapped around my shivering back. I know I want nothing to do with this baby right now, but that doesn’t mean I would ever leave it in his hands.

“Are you out of your damn mind?” Mr. Gaskarth exclaimed. “What the fuck is wrong with you?”

“I mean, I’m pretty fuckin’ high.” Alex laughed bluntly, reminding me of when we talked at school.

I jumped, loud ringing piercing into my ear drums. Swallowing thickly, I wrapped my arms back around my stomach and winced when Alex received yet another slap to the back of his neck while his dad’s other hand pressed the cordless landline to his left ear. Biting my lip, I turned my head and looked into my mom’s eyes. She raised her eyebrow slightly like she does when she’s confused or worried and I shrugged, awkwardly looking back towards Alex. He tossed his cigarette to the ground in front of his bare feet and shoved his hands into the pockets of his red and black joggers, drawing my eyes to the black coating his arms.

“Hello?” Mr. Gaskarth answered almost venomously. “I’m not fucking happy. I’m trying to deal with a crisis your fucking son caused and he seems to think everything is so fucking hilarious. Which one do you think I’m talking about? I’m about to slap the shit out of him-”

“Don’t tell him I’m high.” Alex whispered loudly, raising his left fingers to his lips.

I rubbed my elbows uncomfortably, a tingle of warmth shooting through my gut as I took in the details of the electric guitar taking over his entire forearm. Sheet music symbols wrapped around the front of his arm, tangling around an old school mic and stopping near the large amp taking over some of his bicep.

“I’ll just see you when you get here, alright?” Mr. Gaskarth sighed, knocking me out of my trance. “I already told him he can tell you himself. I guess it could be worse. Okay, stop talking and driving at the same time you know I don’t like you doing that. Love you too.”

He hit a button, brushing the long strands of dark hair falling out of the bun along the backside of his head behind his ears before tucking the phone back into the crease of his arm. Heaving a sigh, he ran his hand over his eyes and the bridge of his nose for a few seconds before looking back over at me and my mom. Glancing down at my stomach, he shook his head again and turned towards Alex.

“You have ten minutes to get some eye drops into those eyes and prepare yourself.” He informed, waving him away. “Tell Alyssa to clean her stencils and shit off the table so I can set dinner out before your dad gets here.”

“Okay, but-”

“No buts, get your ass moving.” He ordered, pointing inside of the apartment.

I gulped, watching Alex’s shoulders grow tense before he disappeared back where he came from.

“Now really isn’t a good time to talk about all of this.” Mr. Gaskarth notified, inching his way back into the apartment. “It’d be best if you got out of here before my husband shows up.”

“Alright.” Mom agreed curtly, rubbing my side. “When do you think we can get everything sorted out…”

“Jeremy.” He introduced lazily, gripping the side of the door. “I’ll let you know.”

“Would you like to take down my number-”

I jumped, gawking at the closed door in shock.

“Are you kidding me?” Mom laughed humorlessly, moving until she was in front of me. “Did he just-”

“Let’s get out of here?” I suggested quietly, growing more uneasy as the seconds passed. “Before his other dad gets here.”

“If I couldn’t see how shaken up you are right now, I wouldn’t be leaving this shit hole.” She commented, linking her arm with mine.

I tried to laugh, but nothing came out as I walked back towards the stairs with her. Tightening my grip, I jogged down the steps in unison feeling my fingers shaking from the cold air along with the adrenaline of confronting Alex and his parents. One half of his parents anyway.
“That didn’t go as planned.” She spoke up once we got down the last few steps.

“What did you expect to happen?” I wondered, hurrying over to my side of the car.

Once I heard the locks click, I pulled my door open and leaped into the seat. Slamming the door closed, I buckled up and immediately blasted the heat once the car turned on.

“Oh, you know, a mature conversation between one parent to another. Or maybe getting invited inside?” She opted, chuckling lightly. “Although, I’m not sure I wanted to step inside with whatever seemed to be going on there.”

I hummed in agreement, thinking back to how frazzled and angry Alex’s dad looked the whole time. It was weird seeing where Alex came from and even weirder getting a glimpse of how his family interacts.

“The apple doesn’t fall from the tree, huh?” She joked, patting my back. “You want some hot chocolate on the way home?”
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Jesus Christ, Jack.” Parker hissed quietly. “If you don’t want anyone to notice yet, you’re not doing a good job of hiding it.”

I froze, pushing the mush in my mouth down my throat while my cheeks burned. I sat up straight, pulling my hand from the tin in front of me and suddenly feeling aware of everyone’s eyes on me.

“Hiding what?” Cass scoffed, nudging my side comfortingly.

“Uh, the fact that he’s got a spawn blowing up in his uterus?” He retorted sarcastically.

“I’m just eating.” I defended, wiping my crumby fingers over my chest.

“You took eating to a whole new level.” He retorted with wide eyes. “You’re devouring a twenty-four pack of cookies.”

“They’re good.” I complained, itching to grab just one more. “They’re calling my name.”

“If you think those chocolate chip cookies are asking you to eat them, you might really need to go in the looney-bin.” Lynn commented, snatching the cookie tin from in front of me and sliding it more towards her.

“You guys can’t take shit away from a pregnant guy.” Cass scolded, snatching the tin back and holding it out to me.

“He’s eaten half of it!” Parker exclaimed, knocking it away. “That’s not healthy, Cass!”

“I’m right here.” I scowled, crossing my arms over my chest. “And could you keep it down?”

I licked my lips, subtly glancing around the loud cafeteria. Everyone still seemed to be in their own worlds at their tables, nothing out the ordinary. No attention on me whatsoever, just like usual. Just how I like it.

“Um. It didn’t exactly go unnoticed that you and Alex went missing for three days in a row.” Cass mentioned, draping her arm over my shoulders. “At the same time.”

“Oh God.” I groaned, nervous butterflies swarming my gut after hearing Alex’s name.

Ever since the disaster of my mom forcing me to go to his house, he’s all I seem to think about. What did his parents say? Does he even care about me being pregnant with his child? Is he going to help me when it gets more noticeable? The last thing I need is for every girl and guy he’s been with to come after me or something. Oh God, I can only imagine the rumors that are going to be spread about me and I don’t know if I can handle everyone talking about me-

“Earth to Jack.” Cass called, shaking my shoulder gently.

“Huh?” I mumbled, pushing my worries to the back of my mind.

“I asked if you’re okay?” She repeated, frowning at me in concern.

“Fine.” I nodded, wiping my mouth on my sleeve. “Just nervous. For like, later on. Y’know?”

“Nobody is gonna fuck with you.” Parker predicted, leaning over his side of the table. “I mean, you aren’t the first pregnant person here.”

“He’s the first impregnated by Alex Gaskarth.” Lynn reminded, wiggling her eyebrows. “Mr. Irresistible-”

“He’s not irresistible.” Parker scoffed. “He’s barely even popular. He just sleeps with a lot of easy people and talks to everyone.”

“Wow.” I muttered, rolling my eyes at the insult even though it wasn’t exactly directed towards me.

“I didn’t say you were easy.” He said, biting his lip in thought. “Although, you kinda were.”

“Parker!” Lynn and Cass scolded, making me roll my eyes even harder.

“Um, speak of the devil.” Lynn whisper-yelled.

“What?” I asked, dropping my attitude and sitting up straight.

“He’s coming behind you.” She warned, speaking through closed lips.

I gripped on the school tray in front of me, a nest of birds flopping in my stomach while hot heat rushed up the back of y neck. I pressed my lips together hard, feeling my shoulders tense up when Parker’s eyes narrowed up behind me.

“The fuck do you want, Gaskarth?” He spat.

“Jack, can we talk for a second?”

I bit the inside of my cheek, fighting the shudder as chills ran up my spine at the sound of his voice. Pinching the sides of the trays, I let out a low sigh and relaxed more in my seat. Flickering my gaze between Parker, Lynn and Cass, I gave a soft nod and allowed myself to spin around in my stool. Instead of looking into his eyes, I was met with black Ray-Bans matching the snapback twisted over his head.

“Uh, how about we go outside?” He suggested, shoving his hands into his black hoodie pockets.

I swallowed, my mouth running dry at the stubble casting a five’o’clock shadow over his face. Flushing furiously, shot him another nod and stood from my seat quickly. I shook my hoodie out, making sure it didn’t cling to me before brushing the back of my dark blue jeans off. Grabbing my backpack, I slung it over my shoulders and tugged the hem of my hoodie down to make sure it covered where the stupid belly band started.

“It’s cold out there.” Cassadee called after I took two steps forward. “Don’t be out long.”

“I won’t.” I told, turning to give her a smile before I put my attention back to Alex. “Uh-”

“Let’s go, yeah?” He mumbled, leading the way towards the closest set of doors.

I followed at least a foot behind him, staring into his back as another nervous pit settled in my stomach. There seemed to be something off, but I just couldn’t pin-point what exactly it was. Biting at my lip, I tightened my grip over my strap and moved my legs a little faster once we were in the hallway.

“Can you slow down?” I rushed out, my heart picking up from the fast-pace I took on.

“Right, sorry.” He chuckled, slowing to a stop.

I stopped in front of him, furrowing my eyebrows when he leaned along the row of lockers beside us. Folding my arms, I wrapped my shaking fingers around my elbows and looked up at him expectantly.

“We don’t have to go out there.” He shrugged, nodding back towards one of the exits to the parking lot. “I just-”

“Why are you wearing sunglasses?” I blurted, blushing harder when one of his eyebrows raised.

“I’m hungover.” He supplied boredly, pulling his hands from his pockets to rub at his jaw.

“Oh.” I mumbled, feeling oddly calmer standing in front of him. “Is this about the other day? Because I’m sorry we just showed up like that. Believe me, I didn’t want to but my mom is a little insane-”

“S’fine, Jack.” He chuckled, shaking his head. “I just wanted to get your number.”

“I beg your pardon?” I asked, furrowing my eyebrows.

“Your phone number?” He trailed off, licking his lips.

I squeezed at my elbows, trying to focus on his words instead of the movement of his lip rings from the tip of his tongue. Trailing my eyes over his lips a second time, a short wave of heat rushed through my gut and I found myself looking over his face more closely. As the seconds passed, my lips twitched to connect with his and the sudden urge made me want to smack myself.

“Are you okay?” He questioned, tilting his head to look down at me.

“Um.” I stammered, looking back up to his covered eyes. “Yes? Are you?”

“I’m fine.” He said slowly, standing up straight. “I just want your number so I can like, stay updated. Y’know? Maybe we can plan a day to talk about shit. Like what we have to do, right?”

“Oh.” I replied, a little taken aback as he continued to look down at me. “Okay, yeah. I can do that.”

“Cool.” He mumbled, suddenly holding his phone towards me.

I bit my lip, pulling my arms apart and grabbing the beat-up android from his loose grip. I held it close to my chest, staring down at the cracked screen for a few seconds before slowly typing my number in. I lifted my finger up, hovering over the space to type my name only to find something already typed in to represent me. I blinked, butterflies fluttering in my stomach and up my throat as I re-read over the four-letter word at least five times.

“I’ll shoot you a text so you have mine.” He said, tugging his phone back from my hands. “Don’t be shy.”

I looked back up, opening and closing my mouth a few times while my brain fought to register what was happening. I held my breath, closing my eyes lightly as a gentle kiss pressed into my lips. The warm feeling disappeared before I could savor it and once I opened my eyes, Alex was already turning into the next hallway over. Raising my fingers to my tingling lips, a newfound giddiness replaced the shock and I found myself smiling at nothing. Glancing down at my feet, I sighed softly and felt a vibration against the back of my hip. Turning back towards the cafeteria, I dug my iPhone from the depths of my bag and unlocked the screen, immediately clicking onto my messages.

410-663-0401
hit me up if u want another taste

The bell sounded through the speakers above me, making me jump out of my skin as I desperately tried to keep my sudden hormones under control. Locking my phone, I shoved it back into my bag and cleared my throat. What the hell is happening to me? One minute I want nothing to do with him and the next he’s making me feel all fuzzy and weird?

“There you are!” Parker exclaimed, showing up by my side. “C’mon, we’re skipping the rest of the day.”

“There’s no way.” I refused, finding my voice again.

“I’ve already decided it’s happening.” He informed, wrapping his arm around my shoulders. “The ice cream in my freezer is calling your name and I’ll let you pick the movie we watch.”

“Deal.” I agreed, already imagining the large bowl of vanilla bean ice cream in my lap.

“Yes!” He cheered, steering me towards the doors quickly.

I laughed, wrapping my right arm around his back as we fought our way through the crowd stampeding down the hall. We managed to squeeze through successfully and the nervous flipping inside me grew harsher the closer we got towards the exits. Glancing around frantically, I bit my lip and tried to relax when there was no sign of any teachers. Before I could really prepare myself, the door was clicking open and I was shoved into the mid-October air.

“Oh my God.” I breathed, hugging my arms around my body as we stepped into the packed parking lot. “I can’t believe I’m doing this.”

“You’re doing it for the ice cream.” He told, nudging my shoulder. “And the cuddles.”

“Cuddles?” I smirked, wiggling my eyebrows playfully.

“Don’t be gross.” He groaned, pulling his keys from his pocket.

“Cuddling with me isn’t gross!” I exclaimed, holding my hand over my heart.

“You weren’t talking about cuddling.” He shot back, sending me a wink.

“Oh please, like I would sleep with you.” I scoffed, rolling my eyes playfully.

“Are you serious?” He questioned, unlocking the minivan at least five times once we were about five feet away.

I rolled my lips, looking over at him silently. Clearing my throat, I ignored the strange look coating his face and forced a light laugh once he made it to the driver side.

“You’re like my brother, Park.” I reasoned, trailing around the hood of the car to get to the passenger side.

I pulled the door open and took my backpack off. Once I shoved it where my feet sit, I climbed into the car and pulled the door closed. Gripping my seatbelt, I buckled myself in and frowned at the tension forming between us. It didn’t make sense. Why would he get upset over me joking with him? We always joke about this kind of stuff.

“Parker?” I called cautiously, noticing the way he stared through the windshield at an angle.

“I just,” He started, glancing at me before looking back through the windshield. “I can’t believe you slept with that.”

I followed his line of sight and immediately felt my heart sink into my stomach. Only ten feet across from us, Alex sat on the hood of a black pickup truck blowing thick smoke into some blonde’s opened mouth before gripping her neck and closing the small gap between them.

“Yeah.” I agreed, plopping my hands into my lap. “Me either.”

“I guess it’s a good thing you have zero feelings towards him, right?” He joked, trying to lighten the mood.

“Right.” I muttered, looking away from the scene unfolding before my eyes. “None whatsoever.”

Notes